Can Dogs Eat Garlic? NZ Safety Answer

Quick answer

No. Dogs should not eat garlic. VCA covers garlic with onion, chives and leeks as allium poisoning risks, and SPCA NZ lists garlic and onion family foods as dangerous for dogs.

Why

Garlic is easy to miss because it is often hidden in mince, sausages, gravy, marinades, roast vegetables, pizza, pasta sauce, takeaway leftovers, garlic bread and powders. Plain-looking leftovers can still be unsafe if they were seasoned.

If your dog ate it

Contact your NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.

Safer alternatives

Offer only plain, unseasoned foods that are already known to be dog-safe, or use a complete dog food. Keep garlic-heavy leftovers out of dog reach.

Related reading

• Dog Food Guide NZ
• Pet Emergency Kit NZ Civil Defence Guide
• New Dog Owner: First 30 Days NZ

References

• VCA Animal Hospitals, Onion, Garlic, Chive, and Leek Poisoning in Dogs, checked 2026-06-11: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/onion-garlic-chive-and-leek-toxicity-in-dogs
• SPCA NZ, Dangerous foods for dogs, checked 2026-06-11: https://www.spca.nz/advice-and-welfare/article/dangerous-foods-for-dogs
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, checked 2026-06-11: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

Important notice

*General food-safety information for NZ pet owners, reviewed against ASPCA/VCA guidance (June 2026). For any suspected ingestion or illness, contact a NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.*